Helpful Self-Care information for the hours and few days afterward...

The next few to 24 hours...

You may experience changes in your body and mind. You may notice that you feel tired or heavy, or perhaps energized and refreshed. You may feel a little sore or completely relaxed and elated.  It is good to keep in mind that during any effective healing process, it sometimes gets worse before it gets better. Many times the release of toxins (such as lactic acid buildup) from the body triggers flu-like symptoms that usually go away within 24 hours.

This is normal and is simply your immune system reacting to the reintroduction to said toxins to your blood stream. This is especially true with deep tissue work and therapy that incorporates a lot of stretching since larger, deeper muscles often hold a lot of latent chemicals and waste products. If a headache comes on later in the day, simply drink extra water. Drinking water is the best thing you can possibly do for yourself after a massage so prepare yourself with plenty beforehand. Preferably tepid, not ice cold.

You will definitely want to schedule some downtime and take it easy after your massage. This is a good ritual to develop, but it's particularly important if you haven't had massage before, or if this is your first one in a while. You may want to relax in a hot bath with Epsom salts and lavender, drink some chamomile tea, read a good book, or maybe just retire early for the evening and catch up on some deep, much deserved restful sleep.

Self-care on a regular basis…

Remember to stretch, slowly and regularly. If you are getting massage for pain management, stretching is even more essential for you. How often you stretch is more important than how long you spend stretching. Each stretch should last between 15-30 seconds for maximum effectiveness.

Remember to never use a heating pad on an injured area. Ice packs are always more conducive to the healing process by minimizing inflammation thereby curbing the possibility of secondary tissue damage. Always remember also to never use a heating pad for longer than 20 minutes even on a healthy area. Limit your use of ice packs as well to no more than 10 minutes or when there is loss of sensation to the area. Check the area regularly.

Exercise regularly. This doesn't mean you have to join a gym or pound the pavement. It also doesn't mean you have to invest extra time you don't have. Simple light walking on a treadmill while engrossed in your favorite book or watching C.S.I. will work just fine. Park a little further away from the grocery store entrance. Cleaning the house on the weekend works beautifully and when combined with some music and crazy dance moves it can pack a powerful punch. These little things add up nicely, without being difficult or inconvenient.

Take time for quiet time for yourself. Even if it consists of just some deep calm breathing before you fall asleep. Simply relax and just be. Make it yours. Schedule this time for yourself on your calendar, if need be. Scheduling in relaxation is a powerful technique that may aid you greatly during your journey of wellness in life. Take time for yourself. You deserve it!